CDC has confirmed the fifth case of human infection with a swine–origin
influenza A (H3N2) virus that carries the M gene from the 2009 H1N1
virus. This virus was first detected in a child in Indiana in July.
Subsequently three additional cases of human infection with
swine–origin influenza A (H3N2) viruses carrying the same genetic
change were detected in Pennsylvania. Though rare, human infections
with swine–origin influenza viruses can occur, usually after close
contact with infected swine.

While we know the M gene plays a role in influenza virus infection,
assembly and replication, the significance of this change in these
swine–origin influenza A (H3N2) viruses is unknown at this time. CDC
continues to investigate the implications of this genetic change.
The above comments are from the latest
“have you heard” put out by the CDC. The statements represent
an agency in the state of denial with regard to the human transmission
of trH3N2. They confuse reported trH3N2 with actual trH3N2
infections. The association with swine is directly linked to the
CDC trH3N2 testing which is largely limited cases with some kind of
pseudo-link to swine.

The CDC has yet to
provide any direct evidence for human trH3N2 infections from swine in
2011. The first case (from Indiana) has no known swine contact,
and the CDC has acknowledged likely human to human transmission, which
has also been acknowledged for the two most recent 2010 trH3N2 cases
(father and daughter from Minnesota represent by A/Minnesota/11/2010
isolated from the father).

For the four
most recent trH3N2 cases (in Pennsylvania and Maine) no link has
been established between SOIV infected swine and the four cases.
The three Pennsylvania cases attended an agricultural fair (which is
why they were tested for trH3N2), but no swine with symptoms or trH3N2
swine infections have been identified. The same is true for the
Maine fair in Cumberland County. Moreover, no swine anywhere at
any time have been identified with the human constellation, even though
swine surveillance in 2010 and 2011 has been dramatically increased in
the US.

Similarly, the CDC has
failed to demonstrate that trH3N2 is rare in recent human H3N2
cases. They have released sequences from 15 US H3N2 cases
infected since July, and 5 of the 15 were trH3N2.

Thus, the CDC is
relying solely on its heavily biased testing to claim the swine linkage.

Distribution of trH3N2
PCR kits to state labs is long overdue.

Such state testing will determine the true extent and transmission of
trH3N2 in humans in the US in the 2011/2012 season.